Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi has been fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Soccer for striking an opponent during a match against Philadelphia Union.
The MLS Disciplinary Committee sanctioned the Argentine star after he hit Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan on the back of the neck during second-half stoppage time in Wednesday's 2-2 draw.
Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner who joined the South Florida club in 2023, escaped a match suspension for the altercation, which took place in the 101st minute of the game after an exchange of words between the two players.
Disciplinary Committee Findings
The league announced the decision on Friday following widespread criticism on social media. Fans and commentators had raised concerns over refereeing leniency, pointing out that Messi received no on-field punishment from the match official at the time of the incident.
In an official statement released on the tournament website, the MLS Disciplinary Committee confirmed that Messi was fined for violating league policy regarding hand contact with an opponent's face, head, or neck area. The committee did not disclose the financial figure of the penalty.
Before the stoppage-time clash, Messi had delivered a significant performance for Inter Miami, recording an assist and scoring his first goal since the death of his father, Jorge Messi.
Additional MLS Fines
Messi was not the only Inter Miami player disciplined following the dramatic finish against Philadelphia. Teammate and defender Ian Fray was also handed an undisclosed fine for a separate neck-contact incident during the same late-game scuffle.
That brawl began when Sullivan lost his balance while dribbling into the penalty area and became entangled with Fray. Fray grabbed Sullivan by the neck, prompting Sullivan to leap up and knock the defender to the ground.
The Disciplinary Committee also issued a fine to Minnesota United FC defender Anthony Markanich for simulation during the second half of his team's 2-1 defeat against Atlanta United on Wednesday.
Upcoming Toronto FC Fixture
The financial nature of the sanction provides immediate relief for Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos, who will have Messi available for selection as the team prepares to host Toronto FC at Nu Stadium on Saturday.
Inter Miami enters the Major League Soccer fixture desperate for a victory, having gone winless in their last four matches across all competitions.
